I wish all the washed out tired nurses would retire.

[NC Girl BSN]

I started a job as a nurse in a nursing home about a month ago and there are about 3-4 nurses that I take report from that are run down, negative, desensitized and really could give a rats a** about the patients. It makes me so freaking mad to hear the patients say "Oh shes so mean because she refuses to give me my PRN MOM because she says all I will do is mess all in my diapers." Just the other day, one of my patients said "My nurse would not give me my Nitroglycerin when I was having chest pain, She said I should try to tough it out. Boy did I have a terrible night." ***. I know in my heart I will never get so worn out and complacent in my job that I will treat my patients like that. I was a CNA for 14 years and had the best attitude. The nurses in my facility have been there for 15- 25+ year and are lazy, rude and just worn out. They even look Ragged. All their clothing are faded and and dull and their hair looks dull and unkept. I wish they would all retire and stop making their patients lives H***. Just my two cents, Vent is over.

Overall I really like my new job. Its tough but very doable. So much better than being a CNA and the money is great. I love my residents. When I come on they treat me like I'm the next best thing to sliced bread. One of my patients said to me "I like you because you really seem like you care." That really made my day.

[ex1140]

"I know in my heart I will never get so worn out and complacent in my job that I will treat my patients like that." "I was a CNA for 14 years and had the best attitude."

Good for you! That's wonderful...

My patients are happy to see me comming as well...and I've had my share of nurses that fit the bill you described, but I try not to judge them...I remember that they've been in the profession longer...And I don't know what they have endured in nursing. Not to be disrespectful, but being a CNA for 14 years and being a nurse for the same amount of time are two different things...

In 14 years or so, if you are still a nurse and you still have the same attitude toward your patients... then God Bless you!

[NC Girl BSN]

Thanks everyone for all your input and perspectives on the situation. When I wrote the note I was a little frustrated and bothered but I guess I'm over it. I can only be held accountable for my actions and if others do things differently then thats on them. At the end of the day if I can come home with a clear conscious and have given my patients the best treatment then thats all I need to be concerned with.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

right!!!!

i'd rather work with a bunch of burned-out, washed-up nurses than have to endure the bedside all by myself. if you're competent and willing to lessen the workload for all of the nursing staff, then i'll work with you no matter how washed-out you are.

[MzMouse]

If nurses are angry and frustrated and taking that anger and frustration out on patients; they need to get help or get out.

But......

I would hate to think that I am being judged by how I look and act after I have worked, sometimes with no lunch, for 8 plus hours doing my darnedest for my patients. I am stressed, frustrated and sometimes probably not looking my best. But it does not make me a bad nurse. It means I am human.

[gettingupthere]

I don't think that these nurses are the way they are because they are washed out and tired, these nurses have ALWAYS been like that. Miserable bullies! Most nurses who have worked for 20 plus years have learned more patience and understanding. There are alot of angry people out there, some of them are nurses! Take a lesson and don't EVER become these nurses!

[ari3sdog]

Thanks everyone for all your input and perspectives on the situation. When I wrote the note I was a little frustrated and bothered but I guess I'm over it. I can only be held accountable for my actions and if others do things differently then thats on them. At the end of the day if I can come home with a clear conscious and have given my patients the best treatment then thats all I need to be concerned with.

Yep...don't stress out...or else, you will become like them =D

[ari3sdog]

If nurses are angry and frustrated and taking that anger and frustration out on patients; they need to get help or get out.

But......

I would hate to think that I am being judged by how I look and act after I have worked, sometimes with no lunch, for 8 plus hours doing my darnedest for my patients. I am stressed, frustrated and sometimes probably not looking my best. But it does not make me a bad nurse. It means I am human.

You're not..but that's how the usual first impression. They questioned me about me (a guy) with earings and tattoos =D.

I was not able to take my lunch break on my old job and I was stressed. But now, my current job, I'm so happy. I think, it depends on how the system works in every facility.

[lvlissl2ebecca]

Wow, this thread has gone bad. I see a battle of experienced vs. not so experienced nurses. That is really upsetting to see. Some of you jump on her because she "doesn't know what it's like and has only dipped her feet in the water" .. that may be true.. but what she sees is what she sees. If, she is told by a resident that they didn't get their nitroglycerin... maybe that resident is trying to pull one over... but that is when you go look in the MAR... confirm that no nitroglycerin was given.. if not.. ask the resident about the chest pain... see if anyone else was told about the chest pain and really read your resident... its all about good judgment, but honestly I can see the burned out nurses doing these things.. because It happens at my place of work as well. I, am too, a new nurse. I've worked in a LTC facility for a month and a 1/2 now.. I can understand how so incredibly easy it is to become burned out. The shift is sooo unbelievably busy with all those meds, treatments, paperwork, Dr./Family/POA calls, Answering CNA questions or solving their problems, and sooo much more I could go on and on . Going home after all of that and not being able to have closure because you ALWAYS feel like you forgot something.. it is rough. Imagine doing that for years and years, .. yes you and I will be burned out too. I will never let that carry to my patient care, but you know.. some people deal with stress different ways. It, by no means, is right.. but you have to look at both ends of the spectrum.. should they retire? hmm... can't say.. but @ the very very least.. they should be granted a month off to do something besides work their ass off.

Hmm that gives me an idea.. if all places had some sort of system or committe... NABO (Nurses Against Burning Out) perhaps... where, anyone who notices another nurse is having a hard time or just could use some time off.. to find a way.. perhaps cover for them for a few days .. w/e it takes. That would help alot IMO. Too bad the shortage of staff would not permit this easily.

[autumleaves]

Try and remember that not every word out of your patients mouth is the truth. Many can be very manipulative and play the nurses off against each other.

There are reasons to withhold prns. We frequently hold stool softeners and laxatives if there are frequent, loose BMs. Electrolytes and all...

Nobody is going to withhold Nitro.

Yes, some of us are worn down, tired, and cranky. Once you've walked a few hundred miles in our shoes, you might be looking at your job differently.

Well said

[Mulan]

I have to say- I've worked with a lot of techs (dialysis) who come in to work disheveled, wearing wrinkled scrubs that look like they were taken out of a hamper, dirty hair, etc. Although, I find that it's usually the younger staff who are not well groomed.

I have many, nice srub tops and pants, most are custom made. I iron my outfits for the week all in on shot on my day off.

I always wear my hair up in a bun, and have jewelry (small earrings, pendants and barettes) to coordinate with each scrub outfit. I wear coordinating watches, as well. I wear white nursing shoes which are machine washable, and I wash them 3-4 times a week, with bleach. Between washings, I wipe them down with Clorox wipes.

My patients regularly comment on my outfits, saying things such as "Oh, you got all dressed up for us."

I agree- the way staff are dressed and groomed really impacts how pts perceive us.

What brand of nursing shoes do you wear that are machine washable?

[Mulan]

I sincerely hope you are not referring to an age related issue. I might often appear to be tired at the nursing station but that is usually because I come on and am overjoyed because some "new" nurses have left me half their work for the nightshift as they cannot possibly stay the extra 10minutes to sign off their orders etc because of their hectic social calenders, not to mention I have only slept 5hours and had to cook supper, do homework etc before coming in to the usual mess. Many nurses do feel washed out after 20/25 years and who blames them with the crazy hours, heavy work, cutbacks, fabulous work environment, very high level of respect etc etc. I don't let my less than happy moods pass onto my patients however. The reality also is these nurses need this job likely to pay bills as none of us are in it for the glory, so retiring is probably not an option financially. As someone else posted dont always take what the patients say at face value. Many of them have learned to play one nurse off another, and for a minute it makes you feel like the winner, but remember they are most likely badmouthing you to the next nurse as well.

Boy, is this true!

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

What brand of nursing shoes do you wear that are machine washable?

Not my post but I have a bunch of crocs and they sanitize great in the washer and they are dry when you pull 'em out. You can actually wash any sneak too just don't use the dryer cause they tear them up fast. Which means you need to stuff them with newspaper/towel and it still takes a while to dry. Tha'll work if you have 2-3 pair to rotate. Hope this helps.